Text message anonymous tips to Sheriff’s Office

FRENCH CAMP – The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has set up a system to allow witnesses to text message them with anonymous tips. The tip is sent to a main server that is not associated with any law enforcement agency. The Internet-based systems route messages through a server that encrypts cell phone numbers before they get to law enforcement, making tips virtually impossible to track. With the server stripping the text of any identifying information before sending the tip to the Sheriff’s Office for which it was intended.

“The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is always looking for new innovative ways to help solve crimes. We are hoping with modern technology and the use of texting will assure the citizens of San Joaquin County the ability to get involved by providing anonymous information to the Sheriff’s Office and feel safe in doing so” Deputy Les Garcia said.

It’s Totally Anonymous

Just text SJSO and your message to CRIMES (274637). Your message must begin with SJSO. When your message is received at CRIMES, your name and cell phone number will be stripped from the message before it is forwarded to the Sheriff’s Office.

You will receive an immediate text reply that will include a confidential I.D. number.

If you use Text a Tip again, you may include your confidential I.D. number, but it is your choice. Text a Tip is totally anonymous.

If you see something suspicious or know that someone broke the law, now you can safely get involved and make a difference with Text-A-Tip. Visit the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s website at www.sjsheriff.org for a detailed overview of how Text-A-Tip works.

Call 911 in an emergency.

If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911.This new crime tip service is for non-emergency investigative information only and will not generate a radio call or summon the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office to your location.